"I’ve been an athlete for the majority of my life. I grew up in roller skating rinks, and competed as a figure skater from the time I was 2 until I was 18, training 30-50 hours a week. I won championships at the regional, national, and world level. But fitness was always something I took for granted. As though it would always be there even if I neglected it.
Throughout college, I stayed decently active, but gained my fair share of weight between the terrible undergrad diet and my exercise habits taking a hit. It only got worse through my doctorate program. I’ve been striving to find something that lit my fire the way figure skating used to. And one day a few months back, my boyfriend and I were talking about Dana Linn Bailey, and he was like “you work out. You could do that!” And thus my love of body building began.
I’ve been listening to podcasts, invested in a coach, completely changed my eating and workout habits, and have reaped the benefits ever since. My dream to make it to the IFBB pro stage is one that some have scoffed at... but I’ve been here before. I’ve been told before that my dreams are too big. “You won’t win a World Championship.” Did that. “You won’t be the first person in your family to graduate from college.” Did that. “You won’t get your doctorate degree.” Did that, too. “You won’t make it to the IFBB stage.” This is just another instance where my relentless commitment to self will get me where others dare to walk. My discipline will get me there.
Discipline beats motivation every single time. Motivation is fleeting. There are absolutely days where the couch is far more inviting than the gym. But discipline pushes me. Discipline makes me get up. Discipline is the voice saying “if you skip today, it’s infinitely easier to skip tomorrow.” Fitness cannot be owned. It is only rented. And discipline helps pay the rent every single day. This journey of mine is only beginning, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me!"
